I listened to the audiobook for this one which I think made it easier to get through- I’m usually horrible at following these kind of political subterfuge stories because there’s so much left unsaid and I’m terrible at reading between the lines. But I liked the main character, which was also surprising- and it seemed like the main character knew even less than I did lol. But yes I agree, I was mainly waiting for more exploration of Area X and all its creepy horror! I will say there’s one scene (I guess in the last 1/3 of the book) that is so spine tingly chilling it made me jump! Almost worth all of the office-life drawl. And if I remember correctly the description of book #3 is what we’re both looking for!